The shorts barely change across these 6 outfits; the shirt and shoes do the work, and they run from a black oversized tee with wide khakis to a navy polo with brown loafers.
What you’re dressing for picks the outfit: errands and warm afternoons call for a tee and white sneakers, while a dinner or a casual office day needs a collared polo and loafers.
Hem length stays steady throughout, with the shorts stopping around the knee.
1. Black Oversized T-shirt and Khaki Shorts
Oversized black tees work best when the shorts are cut wide too, so the whole outfit reads as relaxed on purpose and not as a big shirt sitting on a normal pair. Wide khaki shorts balance the volume on top.
Keep the hem of the tee above the shorts’ pocket line if you can, with the shorts stopping around the knee.
A plain pair of sneakers finishes it. I’d skip a belt chain or any extra layers; the look is better with less.
2. Black T-shirt and Khaki Cargo Shorts
Cargo shorts get a bad reputation when they’re stuffed with gear, but a plain black tee keeps them looking clean. The side pockets add some texture while the shirt stays quiet.
I’d pick a khaki that sits close to true tan and skip anything baggy past the knee.
A tee with a small chest print, like the one here, is fine; a big graphic fights the pockets. 2 pieces, no effort, and it works for errands.
3. T-shirts with Khaki Shorts
A good white tee and khaki shorts is the most repeatable summer outfit I know. Swap the tee for gray, navy or olive and the shorts never need to change.
Add white sneakers and a cap, as here, and it looks finished with almost no thought.
I’d buy a few solid-colored tees and rotate them against one pair of khakis. Choose a tee that fits at the shoulder, with sleeves ending mid-bicep, so it doesn’t look sloppy.
4. White Polo Shirt and Khaki Shorts
A white polo with khaki shorts is the old standby, and it earns that status. The collar makes it look a step sharper than a tee without any extra work.
Tuck it only on a golf course; otherwise leave it out and make sure the hem ends around mid-zipper.
White sneakers keep the palette clean. One trade-off: white shows sweat and stains fast, so I’d keep a spare in the rotation.
5. Navy Blue Polo Shirt and Khaki Shorts
Navy polo, khaki shorts and brown loafers is the version I’d wear to a dinner or a casual office day. Navy is a darker, calmer partner for khaki than white, and the loafers push it toward smart casual.
Pleated shorts give a little more room through the hip and a dressier line. Wear loafers without socks or with no-show pairs, and match the brown of the leather to your belt if you’re wearing one.
6. Khaki Shorts with White Sneakers
White sneakers are the easiest shoe to put under khaki shorts, because they brighten the outfit without competing with it. Here a dark green button-down and a beige cap keep the colors earthy and the sneakers do the contrast.
I’d choose a clean, low-profile leather or canvas pair and keep them spotless; scuffed white looks worse than any other color. Roll the sleeves for a casual finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors go well with khaki shorts?
White, navy, gray and olive are the easiest, and a black tee works too. Khaki is a neutral, so solid tops in calm colors never fight it.
White gives the cleanest look, while navy is darker and calmer. A dark green button-down with a beige cap keeps things earthy.
What shorts are in style for guys?
Wide-cut khaki shorts and plain khaki cargo shorts both work right now.
Wide shorts stopping around the knee balance an oversized tee and look relaxed on purpose. Cargos stay clean if the khaki is close to true tan, the pockets are not stuffed, and nothing runs baggy past the knee.
Should I tuck a polo into khaki shorts?
Leave it untucked unless you’re on a golf course.
Let the hem end around mid-zipper so the proportions stay right. The collar already makes a polo look a step sharper than a tee, so tucking adds little.
